An Oscar win is arguably the most defining moment in an actor's career. As the most prestigious award show, speeches have come and gone but these ones have left a legacy on the show's 89-year history.

Advertisement

Marlon Brando wins Best Actor in 1973

When Marlon Brando won the Best Actor statue for "The Godfather" in 1973, Sacheen Littlefeather, an Apache woman, accepted the award. Brando had sent her in his place to protest the crude depiction of Native Americans in Hollywood films. Met first with boos, Littlefeather ultimately earned a thunderous applause.

Cuba Gooding Jr. wins Best Supporting Actor in 1997

Cuba Gooding Jr.’s acceptance for Best Supporting Actor in "Jerry Maguire" epitomizes the excitement surrounding the Oscars. When “walk-off” music began to play, Gooding didn’t deter and his excitement and shouted thank-yous only sounded even more epic.

Robert Benigni wins Foreign Language Film in 1999

Begnigni won the statue for Foreign Language Film for "Life is Beautiful" and he was ecstatic. He hopped over seats and leaped up onto the stage, claiming he wanted to "kiss everybody." Begnigni, an Italian, also won Best Actor that night and said "This is a terrible mistake because I used up all my English!"

Heath Ledger posthumously wins Best Supporting Actor in 2009

Heath Ledger’s posthumous win at the 2009 Oscars for his role as The Joker in “The Dark Knight” was met with teary-eyes from audience members as his mother, father, and sister all spoke for Ledger. Their admirable words for the actor and desire to “celebrate” his life was met with cheers and tears.

Jennifer Lawrence Wins Best Actress in 2013

Jennifer Lawrence’s win for Best Actress for the film “Silver Linings Playbook” is still replayed, not for necessarily for her nervous, excited words, but rather her tumble walking up to the stage. “You guys are only standing up because I fell and you feel bad and that's really embarrassing!” she told the audience.

Lupita Nyong'o wins Best Supporting Actress in 2014

Lupita Nyong’o speech after she won the Best Supporting Actress for her role as Patsey in "12 Years a Slave" left no dry eye in the audience as sheacknowledged the suffering of the woman she’d portrayed and thanking her family and friends for support. Her moving comment where she declared, “When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every little child that no matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid” left a lasting legacy on the award show.

Patricia Arquette wins Best Supporting Actress in 2015

Patricia Arquette won her Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in Boyhood and ended her speech with a declaration for equal pay rights in Hollywood and the United States of America, denouncing sexism, and receiving massive whoops of support from the audience.

Leonardo DiCaprio wins Best Actor in 2016

Leonardo DiCaprio’s win in 2016 was a sigh heard around the world and on social media as fans of the actor rejoiced in his win -- finally. DiCaprio was nominated six times, and despite his many iconic roles, gritty “The Revenant” led him to his statue. DiCaprio also touched on the importance of climate change research and activism, an issue the actor has been actively fighting for.